Martha Olive

1937 - 2023

Martha Olive
April 12, 1937 - July 27, 2023
Durham, North Carolina - Martha Paschall Olive, 86, of Durham, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Thursday, July 27th, 2023. She was born April 12th, 1937 to John and Martha Paschall. She was a graduate of Durham High School.
Martha was a loving and devoted wife of 44 years to her husband, Julian. She was also an amazing mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She took pride in caring for her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Julian; children; Julian Gray Olive Jr., and Martha Loren Olive; as well as her brother, John Wesley Paschall, Jr. She is survived by her son, David Paschall Olive of Cedar Grove; grandsons; Alex Vinsant (Alexis) of Graham, and Cody Vinsant (Celina) of Snow Camp; five great-granddaughters; Olivia, Charlotte, Amelia, Hazel, and Elliana; her sister-in-law, Patsy Payne; as well as many nieces; and nephews that she loved dearly.
Martha was the definition of a Proverbs 31 woman, and all aspects of her life honored God. Martha lived her life being the hands and feet of Jesus. She was a faithful member of Yates Baptist Church in Durham where she enjoyed being able to share her gift of playing the piano and also serving in other areas of ministry during her years at the church.
Martha retired from the Department of Psychiatry at Duke University, where she worked as a secretary. During her career at Duke, her valuable assistance not only brought thanks from patients but also merited mention and thanks in published articles. After her retirement, Martha loved to spend time at the beach, taking road trips to visit friends, spending time with her family, and spoiling her great grand-daughters, who affectionately gave her one of her favorite titles, GiGi. She was an avid card player and thoroughly enjoyed any time she got to spend playing bridge with her friends. She had a deep love for her canine companions over the years; Kayleigh, Kerensa, and Isabella.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Yates Baptist Church on Saturday, August 26th, 2023 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her honor to Yates Baptist Church, 2819 Chapel Hill Rd. Durham, NC 27707 or to AuthoraCare Hospice of Burlington, 914 Chapel Hill Rd. Burlington, NC 27215.